MARCH 20268EV MOTOR LOCALIZATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNDER PM E-DRIVEWAAREE ENERGIES BREAKS GROUND ON 10 GW SOLAR PLANT IN NAGPURGovernment of India has extended the EV motor localization deadline for electric bus and truck manufacturers under the PM E-Drive scheme, giving companies more time to meet domestic manufacturing requirements while continuing to qualify for incentives.The move offers relief to automakers building electric buses and trucks, as the industry faces challenges in sourcing key components used in traction motors. With the revised timeline, manufacturers can continue importing traction motors that use rare-earth magnets until September 1, 2026, while still remaining eligible for benefits under the PM E-Drive scheme.The earlier rules required companies to localize the production of traction motors sooner to claim incentives under the government's EV promotion program. However, Narendra Modi inaugurated Oil India Limited's Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline augmentation project, a major infrastructure upgrade designed to increase fuel transportation from Assam to key markets in eastern India.The project expands the capacity of the Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline, a crucial petroleum pipeline that carries refined fuel products from Numaligarh in Assam to Siliguri in West Bengal. Stretching roughly 654 kilometers, the pipeline plays a critical role in moving petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products to markets across the region.With the completion of the Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline augmentation project, the pipeline's carrying capacity has industry players had raised concerns over limited domestic capability and supply constraints for critical materials, particularly rare-earth magnets that are widely used in electric motor systems.Officials said the extension will allow manufacturers to maintain production schedules for electric commercial vehicles while gradually developing local supply chains. The government's broader goal remains to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported EV components.The EV motor localization deadline extension is expected to help electric bus and truck makers scale production without disruptions, especially as demand for commercial electric vehicles rises across Indian cities and logistics networks.Launched to accelerate electric mobility in the country, the PM E-Drive scheme supports EV adoption through incentives, charging infrastructure development, and local manufacturing of critical components. The program aims to build a stronger EV ecosystem while pushing companies to gradually shift toward domestic production capabilities.Industry executives say the additional time will help companies invest in local manufacturing facilities and partnerships needed to produce traction motors and related technologies within India, aligning with the government's long-term localization strategy. increased from about 1.72 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) to 5.5 MMTPA, allowing more than three times the earlier volume of fuel to be transported. The upgrade ensures faster and more efficient movement of petroleum products to meet rising demand in the Northeast.The project was completed at a cost of around Rs 750 crore, and officials said it was delivered about Rs 110 crore below the approved budget, highlighting improved cost efficiency in execution.The expanded Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline will also support the ongoing expansion of Numaligarh Refinery, whose refining capacity is being increased significantly. As refinery output grows, the upgraded pipeline will ensure a smooth and reliable flow of petroleum products to distribution hubs.Strengthening fuel supply infrastructure has been a key focus for the government as energy demand continues to rise in India's northeastern states. Improved pipeline capacity reduces dependence on road and rail transport, which can be slower and more expensive.For Oil India Limited, the successful completion of the Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline augmentation project reinforces its role in expanding India's energy infrastructure while supporting economic growth and improving energy access across the Northeast. TOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIES
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